Cargo body construction

- STI Holdings, Inc.

A cargo body having a plurality of overlapping sidewall panels, each having an integrally formed post. The sidewall panels include a main portion and an integrally formed post portion. Consecutive sidewall panels are overlapped and fastened to create a sidewall of the cargo body.

Skip to: Description  ·  Claims  ·  References Cited  · Patent History  ·  Patent History
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates to cargo body constructions. More particularly, this invention relates to cargo body constructions that include the use of overlapping sidewall panels.

Various cargo body constructions (e.g., “sheet and post” constructions, “plate wall” constructions, and the like) have been used in the past. Nevertheless, an improved cargo body construction that provides enhanced performance, ease of assembly, and reduced costs would be welcomed by those in the art.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In some embodiments of the present invention, a cargo body is provided having at least two cargo body panels at least partially overlapping each other. Each of the at least two panels includes a main portion and a post portion. The main portion has a thickness. The post portion is integrally formed with the main portion and has a base portion and a distal portion. The distal portion is spaced apart from the base portion by a distance substantially greater than the thickness of the main portion.

In other embodiments, the invention provides a cargo body having multiple overlapping panels forming inside and outside wall surfaces of the cargo body. Each of the panels includes an integrally formed post portion, a main portion, and an offset portion. The post portion includes a post plateau that defines a first plane. The main portion has a thickness and defines a second plane substantially parallel to the first plane and spaced apart from the first plane by a distance substantially greater than the thickness of the main portion. The offset portion defines a third plane spaced apart from and located between the first and second planes. The main portion of a majority of each panel overlaps the offset portion of another panel so that the main portions of the panels are substantially coplanar.

In still other embodiments, the invention provides a method of assembling a cargo body that includes overlapping at least a portion of first and second cargo panels, and fastening the overlapped portions to each other. The first cargo body panel includes a first main portion having a first thickness and defining a first plane, and a first post portion integrally formed with the first main portion and having a first post plateau defining a second plane substantially parallel to the first plane and spaced apart from the first plane by a first distance substantially greater than the first thickness. The second cargo body panel includes a second main portion having a second thickness and defining a third plane, and a second post portion integrally formed with the second main portion and having a second post plateau defining a fourth plane substantially parallel to the third plane and spaced apart from the third plane by a second distance substantially greater than the second thickness.

Further objects of the present invention together with the organization and manner of operation thereof, will become apparent from the following detailed description of the invention when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings wherein like elements have like numerals throughout the drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The present invention is further described with reference to the accompanying drawings, which show embodiments of the present invention. However, it should be noted that the invention as disclosed in the accompanying drawings is illustrated by way of example only. The various elements and combinations of elements described below and illustrated in the drawings can be arranged and organized differently to result in embodiments which are still within the spirit and scope of the present invention.

In the drawings, wherein like reference numerals indicate like parts:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a trailer having sidewall panels, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of an overlapping joint formed by two consecutive sidewall panels of the trailer illustrated in FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a partially exploded sectional view of the sidewall illustrated in FIG. 1, taken along line 3—3 of FIG. 1; and

FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective view of an overlapping joint formed by two consecutive sidewall panels, in accordance with a second embodiment of the present invention.

 DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

As used herein and in the appended claims, the term “cargo body” refers to a trailer, cargo container, truck body, or other cargo carrying body. Also, the term “sidewall” is not limited to the longitudinal walls of a cargo body, and includes any walls (e.g., front walls, rear wall, walls connecting the front and rear walls, and the like) of a cargo body.

With reference to FIG. 1, consecutive sidewall panels 5 of the present invention are overlapped to form a sidewall 7 of a trailer 10. Although the embodiments of the present invention described below and illustrated in the figures are presented with reference to the trailer 10, it should be noted that the present invention can be employed in any cargo body or box-type structure used to carry freight, whether permanently or removably secured with respect to a vehicle and whether having dedicated wheels or not.

The sidewall panels 5 are formed of steel or other metal (e.g., aluminum) using a forming process (e.g., roll forming, break press, or the like). By way of example only, in some embodiments the sidewall panels 5 are formed of 0.038 inch thick, ASTM 653, grade 80 steel, although panels having other thicknesses, meeting other specifications, and having other grades can instead be employed. In other embodiments, the sidewall panels 5 are formed or constructed of other materials suitable for a trailer sidewall, such as composite material panels having a plastic, paper, or epoxy core sheathed in a metal skin, laminate panels, hollow-core panels, panels having a core filled with any desired material, and panels made from metal, plastic, fiberglass, and the like. The sidewall panels 5, or portions thereof, can additionally be covered with a coating (e.g., paint), if desired.

Referring specifically to FIG. 2 (each panel 5 having features designated by reference numerals ending in “a” or “b”), the sidewall panel 5 includes a first main portion 20, a stiffening portion 24, a second main portion 28, a first offset portion 32, an offset jogged portion 36 serving as a transition between the second main portion 28 and the first offset portion 32, a post portion 40, and a second offset portion 44. The stiffening portion 24 includes a stiffening plateau 48, a first stiffening jogged portion 52 serving as a transition between the first main portion 20 and the stiffening plateau 48, and a second stiffening jogged portion 56 serving as a transition between the stiffening plateau 48 and the second main portion 28. The post portion 40 includes a post plateau 60, a first post jogged portion 64 serving as a transition between the first offset portion 32 and the post plateau 60, and a second post jogged portion 68 serving as a transition between the post plateau 60 and the second offset portion 44.

As seen in FIGS. 2 and 3, it is apparent that the jogged portions 36, 52, 56, 64, and 68 serve as a transitions without varying a thickness T1 (e.g., 0.038 inches) of the sidewall panel 5. Put another way, the thickness T1 of the sidewall panel 5 remains consistent throughout. In other embodiments, the thickness T1 of the sidewall panel 5 can vary, such as at the jogged portions 36, 52, 56, 64, and/or 68 or at corners defining the jogged portions 36, 52, 56, 64, and/or 68. In many cases, the manner in which the sidewall panel 5 is manufactured (such as by stamping, pressing, extruding, molding, coining, and other operations) will often at least partially determine whether the sidewall panel 5 has a constant or substantially constant thickness throughout.

The jogged portions 36, 52, 56, 64, and 68 can be defined by a number of different panel transitions, including without limitation sloped transitions, curved transitions, perpendicular transitions, transitions having any combination of sloped portions, perpendicular portions, curved portions and/or parallel portions, and the like.

Referring specifically to FIG. 3, the sidewall panels 5 illustrated therein are configured such that the first main portion 20 defines a plane 72, the stiffening plateau 48 defines a plane 76, the second main portion 28 defines a plane 80, the first offset portion 32 defines a plane 84, the post plateau 60 defines a plane 88, and the second offset portion 44 defines a plane 92, where each plane 72, 76, 80, 84, 88, and 92 is positioned at the center of the thickness of the first main portion 20, the stiffening plateau 48, the second main portion 28, the first offset portion 32, the post plateau 60, and the second offset portion 44, respectively. In embodiments where the first main portion 20, the stiffening plateau 48, the second main portion 28, the first offset portion 32, the post plateau 60, and/or the second offset portion 44 are not planar (e.g., are curved inboard or outboard or otherwise are not flat, such as a post plateau that is bowed in an outboard direction), each plane 72, 76, 80, 84, 88, and 92 is defined about a point of the respective portion or plateau (e.g., the midpoint). In this regard, it should be noted that a post plateau 60 need not necessarily be flat such as those shown in the figures.

In some embodiments of the present invention, the planes 72, 76, 80, 84, 88, and 92 are substantially parallel to one another. Also, in some embodiments the plane 72 defined by the first main portion 20 is coplanar with the plane 80 defined by the second main portion 28, and/or the plane 84 defined by the first offset portion 32 is coplanar with the plane 92 defined by the second offset portion 44.

With continued reference to the FIG. 3, the plane 76 defined by the stiffening plateau 48 is spaced apart from the planes 72 and 80 defined by the first and second main portions 20 and 28, respectively, by a distance D1. In some embodiments, the distance D1 is about twice the thickness of the first and second main portions 20 and 28. By way of example only, the distance D1 can be approximately 0.08 inches (or approximately 2 times the thickness of a 0.038 inch thick sidewall panel). In other embodiments, the distance D1 is smaller or larger. By way of example only, in some embodiments, a distance D1 between 0 inches and {fraction (3/16)} inches provides good structural performance for the stiffening plateau. In other embodiments, a distance D1 between 0 and ⅛ inches is employed for good structural performance.

The plane 88 defined by the post plateau 60 is spaced apart from the planes 84 and 92 defined by the first and/or second offset portion 32 and 44, respectively, by a distance D2. The distance D2 can be measured from either plane 84, 92 (in cases where these planes 84, 92 are not co-planar), or can be measured from both planes 84, 92 as is shown in the illustrated embodiment. The distance D2 can also be measured from a base portion of the post portion 40 (i.e., the portions of the post portion 40 adjacent the first and/or second offset portions 32 and 44) to a distal portion of the post portion 40 (e.g., a portion of the post plateau 60 or, in those embodiments where an identifiable post plateau 60 does not exist, the portion of the post portion 40 that is located furthest from the base portion of the post portion 40). By way of example only, the distance D2 of a post portion 40 having a round cross-sectional area with no identifiable post plateau 60 can be defined as the distance between a plane tangent to the outermost or distal portion of the post portion 40 and either or both planes 84, 92.

The inventor has found that use of a sidewall panel 5 that defines a distance D2 that is substantially more than the thickness T1 of the sidewall panel 5 provides good structural performance of the sidewall panels 5 and of the sidewall 7 formed using the sidewall panels 5. By way of example, in some embodiment a distance D2 of approximately 0.937 inches (or approximately 25 times the thickness of a 0.038 inch thick sidewall panel) provides good structural performance. In other embodiments, a distance D2 between 0.80 inches and 1.33 inches (or approximately between 21 times and 35 times the thickness of a 0.038 inch thick sidewall panel) provides good structural performance. In other embodiments, a distance D2 between 0.65 and 1.71 inches (or approximately between 17 times and 45 times the thickness of a 0.038 inch thick sidewall panel) provides good structural performance. In other embodiments, a distance D2 between 0.50 inches and 2.00 inches (or approximately between 13 times and 53 times the thickness of a 0.038 inch thick sidewall panel) provides good structural performance. In still other embodiments, a distance D2 that is larger or smaller than the distances D2 define above can provide good structural performance. Although the sidewall panels 5 can have any thickness desired, and the distance D2 can be any size desired, the distance D2 should be defined to provide a sidewall panel that includes good structural performance of a sidewall formed using the sidewall panels. The structural specifications of a sidewall may vary based on the application of the cargo body.

As shown in FIG. 3, the sidewall panel 5 defines a width W1, the stiffening portion 24 defines a width W2, and the post portion 40 defines a width W3, where each width W1, W2, and W3 is defined as the width of the sidewall panel 5, the stiffening portion 24, and the post portion 40, respectively, measured in cross-section. Although these widths W1, W2, and W3 can be any size, in some embodiments W1, W2, and W3 are approximately 29 inches, 2.40 inches, and 2.75 inches, respectively.

It will be readily understood by one of ordinary skill in the art that the widths are not necessarily to scale in FIGS. 2 and 3, and that FIGS. 2 and 3 illustrate only a portion of the width W1 defined by the sidewall panel 5. Only part of the second main portion 28 is illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 3 illustrated by the break in the second main portion 28. In some embodiments, the width W2 defined by the stiffening portion 24 is substantially equal to but slightly less than the width W3 defined by the post portion 40. Such a construction allows the stiffening portion 24 to nest in the post portion 40 while additionally providing alignment features that assist in the assembly of the sidewall 7. The assembly of the sidewall panels 5 is discussed in greater detail below.

In order to enable cargo to be secured and/or stabilized within the trailer 10, the sidewall panel 5 has one or more logistics apertures 100. In some embodiments, the logistics apertures 100 are located in the stiffening plateau 48, and can take any shape and size desired. For example, the logistics apertures 100 can be rectangular as shown in FIG. 2, can have any other polygonal shape, can be round, oval, or irregularly-shaped, and the like. In some embodiments, such as that shown in FIG. 2, the logistics apertures 100 are elongated in a direction along a height H1 (e.g., 105 inches) of the trailer 10 (see FIG. 1). Each stiffening plateau 48 can have any number of logistics apertures 100 arranged in any manner. In one embodiment, the stiffening plateau 48 has a number of logistics apertures 100 aligned or substantially aligned along the center portion of the stiffening plateau 48 (see FIG. 3).

A number of different cargo securing devices or elements can be used to secure and stabilize cargo in the trailer 10. In some embodiments, logistics apertures 100 are provided in the stiffening plateau 48 as shown in FIGS. 2 and 3. Regardless of their location, the logistics apertures 100 can be shaped to receive or mate with any cargo securing devices or elements, including clamps, cargo strap ends, buckles, and the like. Therefore, the logistics apertures 100 in some embodiments are shaped to receive, mate with, and/or engage one or more of such cargo securing devices or elements. Alternatively, the logistics apertures 100 can be shaped to receive one or more such cargo securing devices or elements (including ropes, cord, chain, cable, and the like) passed into and out of one or more logistics apertures 100.

Referring now to FIG. 3, for assembly, a first sidewall panel 5a and a second sidewall panel 5b are overlapped to form an overlapping joint which defines overlapping portions on the first and second sidewall panels 5a and 5b, respectively. For discussion, the interior space of the trailer 10 is generally above the sidewall 7 illustrated in FIG. 3, and the space outside the trailer 10 is generally below the sidewall 7 illustrated in FIG. 3 (although this orientation can be reversed in some embodiments of the present invention as discussed further below). Additionally, the elements of each of the sidewall panels 5a and 5b are labeled to correspond to the sidewall panel 5a or 5b that includes the elements (e.g., the first main portion 20 of the first sidewall panel 5a is described and labeled as the first main portion 20a).

The overlapping joint of the panels 5a and 5b includes the first main portion 20a overlapping the first offset portion 32b and the second main portion 28a overlapping the second offset portion 44b such that the stiffening portion 24a is nested in the post portion 40b. Spacing apart the stiffening plateau 48a from the post plateau 60b provides room for a cargo-securing device or element to be partially or entirely received within the logistics apertures 100 while additionally providing added strength and rigidity to the sidewall 7.

In some embodiments, when the panels 5a and 5b are assembled, the planes 72a, 80a, 72b, and 80b are coplanar. However, this arrangement of the planes 72a, 80a, 72b, 80b is not required to practice the present invention. The planes 72a, 80a can be spaced from one another. In addition, either or both of the planes 72a, 80a can be spaced from either or both of the planes 72b, 80b. Similarly, in some embodiments, the planes 84a, 92a, 84b, and 92b are coplanar. However, this arrangement of the planes 84a, 92a, 84b, and 92b is not required to practice the present invention. The planes 84a, 92a can be spaced from one another. In addition, either or both of the planes 84a, 92a can be spaced from either or both of the planes 72b, 80b. Furthermore, in some embodiments, the planes 88a and 88b are coplanar, as are the planes 76a and 76b. However, neither of these relationships are required to practice the present invention.

The above-described co-planar relationships between the planes (72a, 80a, 72b and 80b; 74a, 92a, 84b, and 92b; 88a and 88b; and 76a and 76b) allows the sidewall 7 to be constructed in an overlapping fashion so a thickness T2 of the sidewall 7 (see FIG. 3) remains constant throughout a length of the trailer 10 (see FIG. 1). A wall of the trailer 10 can have any number of panels 5a, 5b, and therefore can have any number of joints between panels 5a, 5b as described above. For example, the wall of the trailer 10 can be 53 feet in length and can have multiple panels 5 and panel joints according to the present invention.

In those embodiments in which the panels 5a have first and second offset portions 32b, 44b as described above, the first and second main portions 20a and 28a, respectively, can be couched in the first and second offset portions 32b and 44b, respectively, to limit the extent to which the first and second main portions 20a, 28a protrude beyond the interior wall of the trailer 10. In other words, in some embodiments the offset portions 32b and 44b, respectively, are offset from the planes 72 and 80 defined by the first and second main portions 20 and 28 by approximately the thickness T1. Protrusions beyond the interior wall of the trailer 10 and into the interior region of the trailer 10 are thus lessened or altogether eliminated. A smooth interior wall of the trailer 10 is often desirable because such a wall can eliminate the need for a lining (e.g., plywood) that at times is utilized to make the interior walls of trailers smooth such that cargo or cargo moving devices do not become caught on the protrusions into the interior surface. In addition, by couching the first and second main portions 20a, 28a in the first and second offset portions 32b and 44b, the impact resistance to the wall panels 5 can be significantly increased.

If desired, reinforcing members 102 can be coupled to the sidewall panels 5 to provide added rigidity and strength to the sidewall 7. However, reinforcing members 102 are not required to practice the present invention. The reinforcing members 102 can be formed or constructed of materials suitable for a trailer sidewall, such as those discussed above with respect to the sidewall panels 7 (e.g., steel, aluminum, or other metals, composite materials, and the like). In some embodiments for example, the reinforcing members 102 are strips or plates of 0.074 inch thick ASTM 653 grade 80 steel, although other members having different thicknesses, meeting different specifications, and having different grades can instead be used.

The reinforcing member 102 defines a thickness T3 and a width W4, where the width W4 is defined as the width of the reinforcing member 102 measured in cross-section. In some embodiments, the thickness T3 is substantially equal to the distance D1, and the width W4 is slightly less than the width W2 such that the reinforcing member 102 can be couched in the stiffening portions 24a, 24b, thereby limiting the extent to which the reinforcing member 102 protrudes beyond the interior wall of the trailer 10. By way of example only, the reinforcing members 102 in some embodiments each have a thickness of approximately 0.074 inches and a width of approximately 2.0 inches. In some embodiments, the couched relationship between the reinforcing member 102 and the stiffening portions 24a, 24b as just described is employed for each panel 5 in a cargo body, thereby providing the entire interior surface of the cargo body with a substantially planar surface.

The reinforcing member 102 can include one or more logistics apertures 105. If desired, the locations and shapes of the logistics apertures 105 can correspond with those of the logistics apertures 100 such that the sets of logistics apertures 100 and 105 cooperate to enable cargo to be secured and/or stabilized within the trailer 10.

With reference to FIGS. 2 and 3, rivets 110 are inserted through corresponding columns of apertures 115 to couple overlapping portions of the first and second sidewall panels 5a and 5b and to couple reinforcing members 102 to the sidewall panels 5. Reinforcing members 102 can be coupled to the respective sidewall panels 5 either before, during, or after adjacent sidewall panels 5 are overlapped and coupled, and can be coupled with the same or different fasteners (or in the same or different manner) as used to couple the first and second sidewall panels 5a, 5b together. The heads of the rivets 110 can be completely couched in recessed regions of the apertures 115 to lessen or eliminate protrusions beyond the interior and/or exterior surfaces of the trailer 10, in which case dimension D1 can be slightly larger than dimension T3 and/or the heads of the rivets 110 can be countersunk in the apertures 115. In other embodiments, the panels 5a, 5b can be coupled together in any other suitable manner, such as by using adhesives, welding, or bonding, by using any number of conventional devices (e.g. belts, biscuits, bolts, brackets, bridges, chains, clamps, clasps, clips, dowels, latches, pegs, pins, posts, screws, and the like), or any combination thereof. The reinforcing members 102 can also be coupled to the sidewall 7 as described above in any of these alternative manners.

The sidewall 7 of the present invention can be assembled in a number of different manners. In some embodiments, consecutive sidewall panels 5 are oriented from the rear of the trailer 10 to the front of the trailer 10 such that the second offset portion 44 of each sidewall panel 5 is closer to the rear of the trailer 10 than the first main portion 20 of each sidewall panel 5. In other embodiments, consecutive sidewall panels 5 are oriented from the front of the trailer 10 to the rear of the trailer 10 such that the second offset portion 44 of each sidewall panel 5 is closer to the front of the trailer 10 than the first main portion 20 of each sidewall panel 5. In yet other embodiments, consecutive sidewall panels 5 are oriented in different directions (e.g., from the front of the trailer 10 to the rear of the trailer 10 and from the rear of the trailer 10 to the front of the trailer 10) such that splicer plates or other manners are employed to join alternatively directed runs of sidewall panels 5.

The sidewall 7 may be constructed using sidewall panels 5 having the same width W1 or using sidewall panels 5 having varying widths W1. When sidewall panels 5 of varying widths W1 are utilized, sidewall panels 5 of smaller widths W1 can be placed in areas of the trailer 10 that require additional structural integrity. Utilization of sidewall panels 5 having the same width W1 provides for ease of assembly and reduces the number of components a manufacture of trailers 10 needs on-hand. Also, trailers 10 having different lengths L1 can utilize sets of sidewall panels 5 having different widths W1 to achieve a design with minimal scrap.

The sidewall 7 constructions discussed above can also allow for ease of repair. If a sidewall panel 5 or a portion thereof becomes damaged during use, the damaged portion of the sidewall panel 5 can be removed and replaced with a corresponding sidewall panel 5. Utilization of the repeating pattern of sidewall panels 5 allows for a trailer 10 owner or repair shop to keep a reduced number of parts on-hand to accomplish such repairs.

The embodiment of the sidewall panels 5 illustrated in the accompanying figures includes a number of elements such as first and second main portions 20 and 28, respectively, stiffening portions 24, first and second offset portions 32 and 44, respectively, and a post portion 40. However, it will be readily apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art that alternative embodiments of the present invention can include alternative dimensions, additional elements, fewer elements, alternatively configured elements, alternative overlapping joints, and the like.

In some alternative embodiments, a sidewall panel includes a main portion and a post portion. For assembly, the main portion of a second sidewall panel overlaps the post portion and part of the main portion of the first sidewall panel. The main portion of the second sidewall panel is then fastened to the overlapped part of the main portion of the first sidewall panel. Such a design can be similar to that illustrated in FIGS. 1-3, but in which the jogged portion 36 does not exist and/or the second offset portion 44 lies in substantially the same plane as the first and second main portions 20, 28. In such designs, the resulting sidewall 7 is not necessarily straight (i.e., each additional sidewall panel is offset from the adjacent sidewall panel by, for example, the thickness of the sidewall panel). In some embodiments, the overlapped part of the main portion(s) 20, 28 of the first sidewall panel include an offset portion (such as jogged portion 36) to compensate for a thickness of the main portion of the second sidewall panel, thereby providing a straight sidewall 7. Similar results can be generated in other manners, such as by employing a panel design as illustrated in FIGS. 1-3 but in which no jogged portion 36 exists and in which the first stiffening jogged portion 52 of the stiffening portion 24 is longer than the second stiffening jogged portion 56 to enable the second offset portion 44 to overlap the main portion 28 of the first sidewall panel.

It should be noted that although the panels 5 can employ offset portions 32, 44 that provide a recess within which an adjacent panel can be received as discussed above and as illustrated in the figures, offset portions 32, 44 need not necessarily exist in some embodiments of the present invention. Also, although the panels 5 can employ stiffening portions 24 as discussed above and illustrated in the figures, stiffening portions 24 need not necessarily exist in some embodiments of the present invention (in which cases the first and second main portions 20, 28 described above can be defined as a single main portion).

In other alternative embodiments of the present invention, a sidewall panel includes first and second main portions disposed on each side of a post portion. For assembly, the first main portion of the second panel may be overlapped on (1) the second main portion and part of the first main portion of the first sidewall panel such that the post portion is enclosed, (2) the second main portion of the first sidewall panel such that the post portion is at least partially enclosed, or (3) at least part of the second main portion of the first sidewall panel. The first main portion of the second sidewall panel can then be fastened to the overlapped part of the first and/or second main portions of the first sidewall panel. In some embodiments, the overlapped part of the first and/or second main portions can include an offset portion which compensates for a thickness of the main portion of the second sidewall panel.

In other alternative embodiments, a sidewall panel 5 includes at least two post portions. For assembly, any number (e.g., none, one, two, etc.) of the post portions can be overlapped in a fashion similar to those discussed above. For example, two, one, or none of the post portions of a first sidewall panel can be overlapped by a second sidewall panel.

Other alternative embodiments of sidewall panels can include any combination of the above discussed elements.

An example of an alternative embodiment of sidewall panels 1005 is illustrated in FIG. 4. The sidewall panels 1005 and the construction defined by the sidewall panels 1005 illustrated in FIG. 4 are similar to that shown in the embodiment of FIGS. 1-3 described above. Accordingly, reference is hereby made to the description of the embodiment of FIGS. 1-3 above for a more complete description of the wall construction of FIG. 4, corresponding features of the sidewall panels 1005 in FIG. 4, and alternatives to such features. The sidewall panels 1005 provide a sidewall having a smooth side positioned on the exterior of the trailer. As illustrated in FIG. 4, the interior space of the trailer is in the bottom left-hand area of FIG. 4, while the space outside the trailer is in the top right-hand area of FIG. 4. Among other advantages, a smooth exterior wall of the trailer allows for ease in the application of advertisements or logos. In such embodiments, an application of lining (e.g., plywood) can be secured on the interior walls of the trailer 10.

Referring specifically to FIG. 4, the sidewall panels 1005 include a main portion 1020, a first offset portion 1032, an offset jogged portion 1036 serving as a transition between the main portion 1020 and the first offset portion 1032, a post portion 1040, and a second offset portion 1044. The post portion 1040 includes a post plateau 1060, a first post jogged portion 1064 serving as a transition between the first offset portion 1032 and the post plateau 1060, and a second post jogged portion 1068 serving as a transition between the post plateau 1060 and the second offset portion 1044. In some cases (as shown in FIG. 4), the first post jogged portion 1064 includes a first lining support 1064c, and the second post jogged portion 1068 includes a second lining support 1068c. In such embodiments, the first and second lining supports 1064c and 1068c can be utilized for connection of lining to the sidewall formed using the sidewall panels 1005. However, the first and second lining supports 1064c and 1068c are not required to practice the present invention. Logistics apertures 1100 similar to the logistic apertures 100 are centered along the post plateau 1060. The illustrated sidewall panels 1005 do not include a stiffening portion. In other embodiments, the sidewall panels 1005 can include a stiffening portion similar to the stiffening portion 24 of the sidewall panels 5.

The sidewall panels 1005 illustrated in FIG. 4 can be assembled by overlapping a first sidewall panel 1005a and a second sidewall panel 1005b to form an overlapped joint defining overlapping portions of the first and second sidewall panels 1005a and 1005b, respectively. The elements of each of the sidewall panels 1005a and 1005b are labeled to correspond to the sidewall panel 1005a or 1005b that includes such elements (e.g., the main portion 1020 of the first sidewall panel 1005a is described and labeled as the main portion 1020a). The overlapping joint of the panels 1005a and 1005b includes the main portion 1020a of sidewall panel 1005a overlapping the first offset portion 1032b and the second offset portion 1044b of the second sidewall panel 1005b. Spacing apart the main portion 1020a from the post plateau 1060b provides room for a cargo-securing device or element to be partially or entirely received within the logistics apertures 1100 while additionally providing added strength and rigidity to the sidewall.

Reinforcing members 1102 similar to the reinforcing members 102 can be coupled to the sidewall panels 1005 to provide added rigidity and strength to the sidewall. The reinforcing member 1102 can be attached to the post plateau 1060 in the space formed between the main portion 1020a and the post plateau 1060b. The reinforcing member 1102 can include one or more logistics apertures 1105. If desired, the locations and shapes of the logistics apertures 1105 can correspond with those of the logistics apertures 1100 such that the sets of logistics apertures 1100 and 1105 cooperate to enable cargo to be secured and/or stabilized within the trailer.

With continued reference to FIG. 4, rivets 1110 are inserted through corresponding apertures 1115 to couple overlapping portions of the first and second sidewall panels 1005a and 1005b and to couple reinforcing members 1102 to the sidewall panels 1005. Reinforcing members 1102 are coupled to the respective sidewall panels 1005 before adjacent sidewall panels 1005 are overlapped and coupled, and can be coupled with the same or different fasteners (or in the same or different manner) used to couple the first and second sidewall panels 1005a and 1005b together. The rivets 1110 can be secured similar to rivets 110 in the embodiment of FIGS. 1-3 described above.

The remainder of the construction and assembly of the sidewall panels 1005 is similar to that of the sidewall panels 5, is therefore not discussed further herein.

The embodiments described above and illustrated in the figures are presented by way of example only and are not intended as a limitation upon the concepts and principles of the present invention. As such, it will be appreciated by one having ordinary skill in the art that various changes in the elements and their configuration and arrangement are possible without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention as set forth in the appended claims.

Claims

1. A cargo body comprising:

at least two cargo body panels at least partially overlapping each other, wherein each of the at least two panels includes a main portion having a thickness, and a post integrally formed with the main portion, the post having a base portion and a distal portion, the distal portion being spaced apart from the base portion by a distance substantially greater than the thickness of the main portion.

2. The cargo body of claim 1, wherein the cargo body panels are constructed of steel, and wherein the distance is approximately 25 times the thickness of the main portion.

3. The cargo body of claim 1, wherein the cargo body panels are constructed of steel, and wherein the distance is between 21 and 35 times the thickness of the main portion.

4. The cargo body of claim 1, wherein the cargo body panels are constructed of steel, and wherein the distance is between 17 and 45 times the thickness of the main portion.

5. The cargo body of claim 1, wherein the cargo body panels are constructed of steel, and wherein the distance is between 13 and 53 times the thickness of the main portion.

6. The cargo body of claim 1, wherein:

the main portion defines a first plane;
the distal portion defines a second plane substantially parallel to the first plane;
each of the at least two panels further includes an offset portion, the offset portion defining a third plane substantially parallel to the first and second planes, and the third plane being between the first and second planes; and
at least a portion of the base portion is positioned adjacent to the offset portion.

7. The cargo body of claim 6, wherein the offset portion is disposed between the main portion and the post.

8. The cargo body of claim 6, wherein the offset portion is disposed on a side of the post opposite the main portion.

9. The cargo body of claim 6, wherein the offset portion includes first and second offset portions disposed on opposite sides of the post.

10. The cargo body of claim 6, wherein the third plane is spaced apart from the first plane by a third distance substantially equal to the thickness of the main portion.

11. The cargo body of claim 6, wherein the offset portion is integrally formed with the main portion.

12. The cargo body of claim 6, wherein the offset portion includes a plurality of apertures adapted to receive fasteners.

13. The cargo body of claim 1, wherein:

the main portion defines a first plane;
the distal portion defines a second plane substantially parallel to the first plane; and
each of the at least two panels further includes a stiffening portion having a stiffening plateau defining a third plane spaced apart from and substantially parallel to the first and second planes.

14. The cargo body of claim 13, wherein the stiffening portion is disposed on a side of the main portion opposite the post.

15. The cargo body of claim 13, wherein the main portion includes first and second main portions disposed on opposite sides of the stiffening portion.

16. The cargo body of claim 13, wherein the stiffening portion is integrally formed with the main portion.

17. The cargo body of claim 13, wherein the post measured in cross-section defines a first width, wherein the stiffening portion measured in cross-section defines a second width, and wherein the first width is substantially similar to the second width.

18. The cargo body of claim 13, further comprising a plate coupled to and recessed at least partially within the stiffening portion.

19. The cargo body of claim 18, wherein the stiffening plateau measured in cross-section defines a first width, wherein the plate measured in cross-section defines a second width, and wherein the first width is substantially similar to the second width.

20. The cargo body of claim 18, wherein the plate includes at least one logistics aperture.

21. The cargo body of claim 20, wherein the stiffening plateau includes at least one logistics aperture corresponding to the at least one logistics aperture in the plate.

22. The cargo body of claim 18, wherein the stiffening plateau includes at least one logistics aperture.

23. The cargo body of claim 1, wherein each of the at least two panels is roll formed.

24. The cargo body of claim 1, wherein

the main portion lies in a first plane;
the distal portion lies in a second plane substantially parallel to the first plane;
the cargo body defines an interior; and
the second plane is outboard of the first plane with respect to the interior of the cargo body.

25. The cargo body of claim 1, wherein

the main portion lies in a first plane;
the distal portion lies in a second plane substantially parallel to the first plane;
the cargo body defines an interior; and
the first plane is outboard of the second plane with respect to the interior of the cargo body.

26. A cargo body comprising:

multiple overlapping panels forming inside and outside wall surfaces of the cargo body, each of the panels including an integrally formed post having a post plateau defining a first plane, a main portion having a thickness and defining a second plane substantially parallel to the first plane and spaced apart from the first plane by a distance substantially greater than the thickness of the main portion, and an offset portion defining a third plane spaced apart from and located between the first and second planes, the main portion of a majority of the panels overlapping the offset portion of another panel so that the main portions of the majority of the panels are substantially coplanar.

27. The cargo body of claim 26, wherein the post plateau forms a portion of the outside wall surface of the cargo body.

28. The cargo body of claim 26, wherein the post plateau forms a portion of the inside wall surface of the cargo body.

29. The cargo body of claim 26, wherein each of the panels includes a stiffening portion spaced apart from the offset portion, the stiffening portion nesting in the post of an overlapping panel.

30. The cargo body of claim 29, wherein a majority of the panels include a reinforcing member, the reinforcing member being nested in the stiffening portion, wherein the reinforcing members are substantially coplanar with the main portions of the majority of the panels.

31. The cargo body of claim 30, wherein each of the reinforcing members and each of the corresponding stiffening portions include corresponding logistics apertures.

32. A method of assembling a cargo body comprising:

providing a first cargo body panel, wherein the first body panel includes a first main portion having a first thickness, the first main portion defining a first plane, and a first post integrally formed with the first main portion, the first post having a first post plateau defining a second plane substantially parallel to the first plane and spaced apart from the first plane by a first distance substantially greater than the first thickness;
providing a second cargo body panel, wherein the second body panel includes a second main portion having a second thickness, the second main portion defining a third plane, and a second post integrally formed with the second main portion, the second post having a second post plateau defining a fourth plane substantially parallel to the third plane and spaced apart from the third plane by a second distance substantially greater than the second thickness;
overlapping at least a portion of the first and second cargo panels; and
fastening the overlapped portions to each other.

33. The method of claim 32, wherein the second cargo panel includes a stiffening portion defining a fifth plane, and wherein overlapping at least a portion of the first and second cargo panels includes nesting the stiffening portion within the first post such that the fifth plane is between the first and second planes.

34. The method of claim 33, further comprising coupling a plate to the stiffening portion in a position at least partially recessed within the stiffening portion.

35. The method of claim 32, wherein the first cargo panel includes an offset portion, and wherein overlapping at least a portion of the first and second cargo panels includes nesting at least a portion of the second main portion within the offset portion such that the first plane is substantially co-planar with the third plane.

Referenced Cited
U.S. Patent Documents
1744824 January 1930 Calllson
2003287 June 1935 Fitch
2478993 August 1949 Wing
2934372 April 1960 Jewell et al.
2991116 July 1961 Andrews
3266837 August 1966 Stricker, Jr., et al.
3386218 June 1968 Scott
3815500 June 1974 Glassmeyer
3834575 September 1974 Carr
3842755 October 1974 Carr
3842756 October 1974 Marulic
4018480 April 19, 1977 Stone
4045927 September 6, 1977 Diaz
4065168 December 27, 1977 Gregg
4104840 August 8, 1978 Heintz et al.
4212405 July 15, 1980 Schmidt
4262961 April 21, 1981 Schmidt
4357047 November 2, 1982 Katz
4433522 February 28, 1984 Yerushalmi
4455807 June 26, 1984 Ehrlich
4656809 April 14, 1987 Wilson
4685721 August 11, 1987 Banerjea
4703948 November 3, 1987 Ehrlich
4810027 March 7, 1989 Ehrlich
4904017 February 27, 1990 Ehrlich
4940279 July 10, 1990 Abott et al.
4958472 September 25, 1990 Ehrlich
5058756 October 22, 1991 Green
5066066 November 19, 1991 Yurgevich et al.
5112099 May 12, 1992 Yurgevich et al.
5154302 October 13, 1992 Alcorn
5178292 January 12, 1993 Korzeniowski
5195800 March 23, 1993 Stafford et al.
5255806 October 26, 1993 Korzeniowski et al.
5286079 February 15, 1994 Zubko et al.
5433501 July 18, 1995 Thomas et al.
5439266 August 8, 1995 Ehrlich
5507405 April 16, 1996 Thomas et al.
5509714 April 23, 1996 Schmidt
5526622 June 18, 1996 Augustine
5562981 October 8, 1996 Ehrlich
5584252 December 17, 1996 Smith et al.
5584527 December 17, 1996 Sitter
5700118 December 23, 1997 Bennett et al.
5702151 December 30, 1997 Grote et al.
5704676 January 6, 1998 Hill
5741042 April 21, 1998 Livingston et al.
5755349 May 26, 1998 Brundle
5772276 June 30, 1998 Fetz et al.
D398264 September 15, 1998 Fetz et al.
5860693 January 19, 1999 Ehrlich
5876089 March 2, 1999 Ehrlich
5934742 August 10, 1999 Fenton et al.
5938274 August 17, 1999 Ehrlich
5992117 November 30, 1999 Schmidt
5997076 December 7, 1999 Ehrlich
6003932 December 21, 1999 Banerjea et al.
6010020 January 4, 2000 Abal
6106205 August 22, 2000 Haire
6199939 March 13, 2001 Ehrlich
6220651 April 24, 2001 Ehrlich
6349988 February 26, 2002 Foster et al.
6450564 September 17, 2002 Sill
6527335 March 4, 2003 Yurgevich
6578902 June 17, 2003 Sill
6652019 November 25, 2003 Bennett
20020098053 July 25, 2002 Zubko
Foreign Patent Documents
37 37 210 May 1989 DE
119 668 September 1984 EP
618 130 October 1994 EP
Other references
  • Stoughton Trailers, Inc.; Stoughton Model AEDCW—Domestic Container brochure; Aluminum, Exterior Post, Hi-Cube; published prior to May 2002.
  • Stoughton Trailers, Inc.; Stoughton Model ASDCW—Domestic Container brochure; Aluminum, Smooth Side, Hi-Cube; published prior to May 2002.
  • Stoughton Trailers, Inc.; Stoughton New Doubles Van brochure; Feb. 1998.
  • Stoughton Trailers, Inc.; Stoughton New Hi-Cube Plate Van brochure; Apr. 1997.
  • Stoughton Trailers, Inc.; Stoughton We'll change the way you look at trailers brochure; Sep. 2000.
Patent History
Patent number: 6893075
Type: Grant
Filed: May 30, 2003
Date of Patent: May 17, 2005
Patent Publication Number: 20040239147
Assignee: STI Holdings, Inc. (Stoughton, WI)
Inventors: Gary L. Fenton (Edgerton, WI), Jeffrey W. Liebelt (Janesville, WI)
Primary Examiner: D. Glenn Dayoan
Assistant Examiner: Paul Chenevert
Attorney: Michael Best & Friedrich LLP
Application Number: 10/449,809